CEDIA Expo 2008: JVC Unveils 4 1080p D-ILA Projectors

Denver — JVC used CEDIA Expo to unveil four next-generation 1080p D-ILA projectors: two from the professional group and two from the consumer electronics division.

The new models are said to “achieve unprecedented contrast ratios without the use of an auto iris.” The high-end models from both lines are THX certified to offer a 30,000:1 native contrast ratio and THX standard color accuracy.

Consumer models include the DLA-HD750 and DLA-HD350, while the professional models include the DLA-RS20 and DLA-RS10.

All four models feature a smaller and more cost-effective chassis design. JVC said it also made improvements in several key areas, allowing all four new models to deliver brighter, more intense images.

As in prior models, all feature JVC’s 0.7-inch full HD D-ILA devices and the company’s wire-grid optical engine. The design eliminates the need for a dynamic iris “to artificially inflate contrast specifications,” JVC said. Native contrast ratios are listed as 30,000:1 for the DLA-HD750 and DLA-RS20), 17,000:1 for the DLA-RS10 and 15,000:1 for the DLA-HD350.

Key new developments include the use of Silicon Optix’s HQV Reon-VX video processor with precision i/p conversion and scaling. The DLA-HD750 and DLA-RS20 feature color management that interpolates colors individually by R, G, B, C, Y or M, in three separate axes of color phase, chroma saturation and brightness. Up to three customized color settings can be stored for future use.

The JVC HD750 and RS20 will also feature THX Movie Mode, a pre-calibrated video setting for watching movies on DVD, Blu-ray, HD or broadcast television. The feature is said to set the display’s gamma, luminance, color temperature and other settings to mirror those used by filmmakers in post-production. THX Movie Mode also ensures projector brightness is optimal for large-screen viewing.

Other common features in the models include: high-performance 2x motorized zoom lens using 16 all-glass elements in 17 groups, including an ED lens to project a full HD image with exceptional depth.

Customized onscreen gamma control allows manual adjustment of the gamma curve and projector luminance levels by either increasing contrast in scenes that are too dark or dimming washed-out scenes to ensure precise brightness levels suited to individual preferences.

Flexible setup with the ±80 percent vertical and ±34 percent horizontal motorized lens-shift function allows the projected picture to be moved horizontally or vertically via the remote control.

Inputs include HDMI version 1.3 (Deep Color/CEC) ports.

Starting in November, the Procession series DLA-HD350 will be available in either glossy piano black or glossy white for an under-$6,000 suggested retail, and the DLA-HD750 will be offered in pearl black finish for under an $8,000 suggested retail,

Also in November the Reference series DLA-RS10 and the DLA-RS20 will be available in a pearl-black finish from the JVC Professional Products Company at suggested retails of less than $6,000 and $8,000, respectively, and will be part of the company's Reference series high-end projector line.